Add Depth to Your Space

When decorating, we often find ourselves limited not by imagination, but by the size of our space. Traditionally, the way people added depth to a space was to add a mirror. However, there are other ways to make your space look bigger. How? Add a large hallway photo! Pictures of long hallways add a unique depth and interest to any space. In addition, they can be customized based on a decorating theme or your favorite colors. On the right is a great example of a photo you could use in a living or dining room. The dark, neutral colors, chandeliers, and expansive hallway bring a touch of elegance in addition to enlarging the space. Remember, there are easy ways to make your space look bigger without spending a lot of money. A few photos and a wall are all it takes to update your space.

Updating A Nightstand

Several years ago I bought two nightstands to flank each side of my bed. While I still liked the overall look of them, I felt something needed to be updated: the knobs. I wanted something that was a bit more unique than the plain silver pulls that came with the nightstands.

I went to several of my local craft stores and finally found what I wanted. They featured an abstract blue and white pattern that reminded me of the ocean, a brass-colored edge, and was more than double the size of my previous knobs. Originally not sure if these would go with my decor, as soon as I installed them I knew they were perfect for my space! The white in the knobs matched both my nightstands and the other furniture in my room, while the shades of blue and the brass edge matched various accessories throughout my bedroom. Perfecto!

It’s amazing how something as simple as changing out a few knobs can make such a difference. If you’re short on funds but want to update a piece of furniture, doing something similar in your own space is not only a way to save money while updating the look of a piece of furniture, but also a fun way to get creative. Whether you choose something plain and simple or completely over the top, you can easily update the look of your furniture with a simple replacement of knobs.

The Bridge Over the Falls

Walking further down from the location where I took the picture in my previous post, I saw a wooden bridge off in the distance. The bridge, almost appearing to be suspended between two trees, is positioned over the largest waterfall in the park. A similar photo would look great in a living or dining room. The unique look, along with the play of light and shadow, would be a great addition to your spring decor. You can easily take a similar photo by going to your local park or finding an area with a railroad bridge. No matter what type of bridge you decide to photograph, you can easily bring this architectural element into your space.

Decorating with Street Signs: Part 4

Impound signLike the sign in my previous post, this is a sign you can have a lot of fun with. There are so many different places you can display a similar sign in your space. It would look great in a garage or carport, bedroom, bathroom, or even a laundry room. Group it together with other impound-related or no parking signs to bring a unique look any room. Stay tuned for more ways to bring the unique look of street signs into your home!

Decorating with Street Signs: Part 2

Traffic circle_roadKeeping with the theme of my previous post, this post features the lanes leading into a traffic circle. Although not a traffic sign, this would be a great addition to a traffic circle-themed wall. In addition, the gray of the road in conjunction with the white paint create a classic color palette that will blend in to your decor. You could create an international wall collage by displaying pictures of traffic circle-related photos from roads all around the world. A collection of signs in multiple languages will give your space a unique look that few could replicate. No matter where you live, you can create a great space featuring the unique signage of the world around you!

Rocky Shores on Sunny Days

Sunny beach_volcanic rocksWhat comes to mind when you think of the beach? Probably sun, sand, and surf. However, depending on where you are, there can be less sand and more rocks. Living in the Ring of Fire, one sometimes comes across beaches made entirely of black volcanic rock. Though not your typical beach, I find them beautiful nonetheless. Why would you want to display photo of a rocky beach in your house? One word: unique! Anyone can display a picture of a sandy beach, but one with black volcanic rocks is an attention-grabber and conversation piece. You can capture a similar image by photographing any nearby rocky shore. Whether you choose an ocean, lake, or river, you can easily create a unique focal point for any room!

Sea Lions on the Rocky Shoal

Sea lions on shoalAs I walked down the pier, I heard the unmistakable sound of sea lions somewhere in the distance. Glancing between two buildings, I saw something moving on a large, rocky outcropping: sea lions! I grabbed my camera and immediately took a picture. A similar photo would look great in a den or study, since it not only blends well with any decor, but will instantly catch someone’s eyes. You can create the same look with other animals that blend into the background, such as ducks, rabbits, or deer. With a little patience and a keen eye for details, you can update your space with a unique animal photo!

The Driftwood Ship

Driftwood shipWhen you go for a stroll on the beach, one often comes across large pieces of driftwood. On one beach, we came across a large old-growth tree that washed up on shore. Over time, it was cut up to look like a ship washed up on shore. I loved the look, so I decided to snap a photo and share it with you. While most people wouldn’t find something similar on any beach, it can still be a great inspiration! Large pieces of driftwood can be found on most beaches, and if you take a photo from the right angle, you can get an amazing shot. Your unique photo will be the perfect addition to any space, and will also capture a great memory of your fun day at the beach!

The Alien-Landscape Beach: A Close-up

Alien beach_close-upPictured on the right is a close-up of the rocky shores seen in my previous post. It’s amazing to see how the seaweed covered rocks have been formed and shaped after centuries of being hit by waves. Such a unique photo is not only a great focal point, but also a great conversation starter in any space. If you have several photos of the same type of landscape, you can arrange a series of photos on a wall, or split them up between several different rooms. Hope everyone has a safe and Happy 4th of July, and that you’ll find great inspiration to brighten up your space.

Spring has Sprung: Part 3

Pink flower close-up_bushThis final post in my series features a close-up of the same type of flower in my previous two posts. The combination of light and shadow, along with a close-up of the flower’s internal workings, makes this a great photo for any space. You can take a similar picture by getting your lens as close to the middle of your favorite flower as possible. Once you’ve taken that perfect shot, I’d suggest enlarging the photo and using it as a focal point on a living or dining room wall. The flower, no matter the shade, will bring a bit of color into any room. In addition, a large photo is one of the easiest and most economical way to add new life to a stale room. I hope you’ve enjoyed this three-series post featuring bright, beautiful flowers, and that I’ve inspired you to brighten up your decor.